My son is one of the youngest in yr 1. Since he started reception he has been close friends with another boy who is one of the eldest. Its lovely to see how close they are and all the teachers comment on how they know each other so well.
Recently it has become apparent to me that the friendship is not actually so positive. My son has often come home with minor bumps and scrapes that he "can't remember". Most recently a huge swollen eyebrow which became a black eye. Apparently the teachers didn't notice this because my son didn't tell anyone. It transpires it was done by friend who told him not to tell, just because my son didn't want to play a particular game.
Son never drinks at school and when questioned admitted its because friend squeezes his bottle hard in his face when he goes to take a sip. Again, my son doesn't tell.
Son suddenly hates drawing which he loved before (his fine motor skills aren't great but he really used to be proud of his work). Apparently friend laughs at his drawings and says they are rubbish. He doesn't tell.
More similar examples have come to light. I have really emphasised the importance of telling a teacher if someone is mean but he just won't. He says friend threatens to withdraw friendship if he does.
When best friend is off school my son misses him so much, but comes out of school such a happier boy and will tell me all about his day and what he's been doing, which he never usually does at all. He plays with other children with no problem on these days.
Son does have other friends and attends clubs outside school but in school is just obsessed with his mean "best friend". He can't see that the behaviour is not how friends should treat each other and just accepts it.
Should I bring this up with the teacher or does it sound like usual children squabbling? How can I teach my son to assert himself and not be so afraid of disobeying his friend?